Jewish Farmer Network – To design and implement a regional, cohort-based learning program for Jewish farmers to build cultural literacy and identity at the intersection of Judaism and agriculture.

What inspired the idea for this project?

Among JFN’s network of 2,000+ farmers, many express a desire to engage deeper with Jewish wisdom related to their work, but they do not know how to explore this aspect of their identity[YK3] . JFN believes that Jewish education and lessons in Jewish traditions should be easily accessible to all Jewish farmers. The curriculum of the Farmer Torah Initiative will offer farmers an on-ramp to engaging with the wisdom of their Jewish ancestors. We have ancient traditions of land allocation, food access, and environmental stewardship that when utilized in today’s farms would help build a more just and sustainable world.

How does this project meet the unique needs of Jewish farmers?

JFN community members have explicitly asked for opportunities to both connect regionally and learn the basics of Jewish agricultural thought and wisdom. The Farmer Torah Initiative will meet both of these needs by providing farmers in rural areas the opportunity to connect with each other in a carefully curated learning environment while engaging in rich and relevant Jewish wisdom. Sessions will include historical and contemporary perspectives on Jewish agricultural history and calendar, Shmita, Jewish food justice, and Jewish livestock ethics.

Learn more:

• Jewish Farmer Network Website
• Jewish farms are booming. Now the farmers want to grow their community.
• Sowing an Agricultural Jewish Identity
• Jewish Farmer Network Embraces Tradition